All Rey could hear in the long silence that followed was the thundering of her heart. He would die before he harmed her? What did that mean? What was happening?

"No." The word fired from Poe's mouth like a laser blast. Again, "No."

Leia spoke before he could say anything else, "We'll need some time to discuss the matter."

Kylo's voice was as cool as ever, "Of course. You have two hours."

His eyes grabbed Rey and clung for a moment. Again, she felt the pull. Time slowed as he turned away. She could see the faint color come into his cheeks. She could see the dark fringe of eyelashes fall as he pressed his eyes closed like he was shutting out the sight of her. The swirling arc of his cloak created an undulating wave of air that caressed her face. The light shone on his dark hair, bright as a star. And then he was gone. Swept from the room like a passing wind, his attendants following closely behind him.

In the buzzing quiet, Rey sank into a chair. She pressed her palms against her temple, pushed against her eyes. The world was spinning.

"Rey-" The general placed a hand on her shoulder.

"We're not doing this!" Poe protested, "We're not handing the last Jedi left in the universe over to Kylo Ren. This is all some kind of elaborate trap-"

"Why?" Leia's calm voice cut through his diatribe.

"To destroy us and use her for the force knows what-"

"He could destroy us anytime he wishes, Poe."

"You're considering this?! General-"

"Leia, please-" Rey whispered through her fingers.

Leia squeezed her shoulder, "Commander Dameron, I need to speak to Rey. Alone."

Rey glanced up and saw his jaw work. They locked eyes, "You don't have to do this," He insisted, "Don't let her talk you into-".

"Give us a minute, Poe." She pleaded, "Please,".

She saw him hesitate, saw how much he wanted to stay and argue. Instead, he pressed his lips together and gave a short nod before disappearing through the door.

Leia sat down next to her with a soft sigh. She studied Rey's face, the line between her brows deepening.

Rey couldn't stay quiet under the kindness in Leia's eyes. "I don't know what's happening." She admitted.

"When you don't know what to do-"

"You need more information," Rey finished for her.

Leia's face was as grave as Rey had ever seen it, "Poe's right. You don't have to do this and I won't ask you to. It's your choice."

"Do you ever," Rey's voice was a thin whisper. She licked her lips and tried again. Her voice was soft but stronger, "Do you ever still . . . hope? Do you hope that he'll come back to the light?"

"I hope that every day."

"Isn't that foolish?" Rey asked. She reached out and took Leia's hand in a cold grip, "Isn't it foolish to hope in the face of all evidence to the contrary?"

The corner of Leia's mouth lifted in a small smile, "Rebellion is built on hope, Rey. We are only defeated when we give up." She gave Rey's hand a squeeze and released her, "But that doesn't mean we just sit around either. Hope is the fuel that pushes us through what needs to be done. One thing after another."

Leia stood, "Take some time to make your decision." She leaned over and kissed Rey on the top of her head. Rey felt tears flood her eyes, "Whatever you choose, I'll support you."

An hour later, Rey emerged from the conference room. "I'll do it." She said.